2023 Shafer Vineyards Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch

Chardonnay - 750ML
$79.94
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REVIEWS

JS 96 TWI 94 VN 94 WS 94 JD 93 WA 93 WE 93
JS 96

jamessuckling.com, October 2024

So ripe, full and generous, with a full body and a big presence. Lovely apple blossom and lemon zest aromas with juicy apple and Bartlett pear flavors on a foundation of lively acidity. An element of chalky, mineral notes...
TWI 94

The Wine Independent, January 2025

Juicy pears, fresh apricots, and apple tart scents sail from the glass of the 2022 Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay, followed by nuances of cedar, honey toast, and nutmeg. Full-bodied, the palate has a lovely satiny texture...
VN 94

Vinous, December 2024

The 2023 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch is a very pretty and expressive white. Tangerine peel, mint, white flowers and tropical overtones lend notable aromatic brightness. Blocked malolactic fermentation keeps the flavors...
WS 94

Wine Spectator, March 2025

A bold, juicy expression, with pear drop, apple and apricot flavors that are juicy and intense. Details of wild fennel, grilled bread, crunchy sea salt, Meyer lemon zest, lemon thyme and ginger emerge on the fresh, juicy...
JD 93

jebdunnuck.com, January 2025

The 2023 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch shows a more elegant, Chablis-like vibe compared to prior vintages and offers up a terrific nose of ripe citrus, spice, honeysuckle, and subtle tropical nuances. These all carry to a...
WA 93

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, October 2024

Shafer's 2023 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch was bottled in July 2024 and was released in September. It's a distinctive style that eschews malolactic fermentation and marries barrel fermentation and maturation in new...
WE 93

Wine Enthusiast, December 2024

Intriguing and attractive, this Chardonnay balances rich flavors with mouthwatering length for a succulent and enticing wine. Aromas and flavors of ripe white nectarine and peach, apple skin, and pithy accents of white...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type White
Varietal Chardonnay
Country USA
Region California
Appellation Napa
Sub-appellation Carneros
Vintage 2023
Size 750ML
Closure Cork

One of the most iconic Chardonnay wines produced in California, Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay bears the elegant imprint of its vineyard home – 68 acres that roll across the pastoral hill country of Los Carneros, a place where Napa Valley meets the northernmost rim of San Francisco Bay.

Cooled by the marine breezes off the Bay, the region has a long, steady growing season well-suited to growing superior quality Chardonnay. Shafer harvested their first fruit from this vineyard in 1994.

The vineyard is named to honor the Red-shouldered hawks who, along with other birds of prey, play a vital role in the winery’s sustainable farming practices. The local hawks and kestrels keep the population of vine-damaging gophers naturally under control so no rodent poisons are ever needed, keeping the vines and soils healthy.

The wine is 100% Chardonnay, whole-cluster pressed and fermented with wild yeast in individual barrels (75% oak, 25% stainless steel). No malolactic fermentation is allowed. Aging is 14 months in 75% new French oak barrels (Allier, Vosges) and 25% in stainless steel barrels.